Imogen smiled, sensing nothing unusual. "Alright. Let's go home!"

The private jet landed at the vast Russell residence, nestled between mountains and water. The villa occupied the front, while a large helipad at the rear accommodated several private planes and helicopters. After a short drive from the private airport at the mountain's base, they arrived at the villa.

Throughout the journey, Johanna sat beside Imogen, holding her hand and offering support. Stephan, however, ignored them both. Johanna felt a surge of anxiety.

Imogen, taking the initiative, winked and asked directly, "Stephan, what do you think of Johanna?"

Johanna lowered her head, feigning inattention, though her ears flushed. Both women awaited his answer.

Stephan, engrossed in his phone—specifically, Felicia's pending friend request—remained oblivious. He couldn't believe she hadn't seen it; she'd taken everything from him and now pretended not to know him.

Responding to Imogen's question, he finally looked up, his gaze landing on Johanna for the first time. His expression was cold and cruel. "Not much," he said.

The coldness in his voice was chilling, devoid of empathy. Imogen's anger flared, but Johanna quickly intervened before she could speak. Johanna, though deeply hurt, understood his response as a warning; Imogen's insistence would backfire.

"It's just a casual question," Johanna said softly. "Don't take it to heart, Mr. Russell. I have no other intentions."

"Good," he replied, his gaze shifting. His handsome face remained impassive, revealing nothing of his true feelings.

Back at the villa, Imogen remained upset, retreating to her room. Concerned she might fall, Johanna offered an apologetic glance at Stephan before following, gently urging, "Slow down, Imogen. Be careful."

In the room, Imogen collapsed onto the bed, still furious. "What was that about? He shows me no respect. Does he still see me as his sister?"

Johanna pursed her lips. Despite being ten years Stephan's senior, Imogen retained a youthful naiveté, a product of her sheltered life. As children, Imogen had been his protector. After their parents' deaths, she'd become both older sister and surrogate mother. They shared a deep bond, forged through mutual reliance. At twenty, Imogen had shielded Stephan from an assassination attempt, losing her sight in the process.

Growing up amidst enemies, Stephan had ruthlessly fought back, eliminating every threat to the Russell family. Those who had caused Imogen's blindness suffered gruesome tortures and deaths. He cleared every obstacle, creating a worry-free world for his sister.

However, Imogen didn't know that the little brother she once protected had become a formidable, fearsome man, wielding unimaginable power and influence.